A new Myrtle Beach, a new South Carolina, a new South.

That’s how officials are pitching the Grand Strand to decision-makers in Washington, hoping the message will resonate with those looking toward a new America.

The city is thick in a race for two presidential primary debates, likely to be held in January 2008, and on Thursday the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce held a strategy meeting.

“What we want to do is show the great Southern hospitality and show the new Myrtle Beach to the world,” said Wayne Gray, a city councilman and a former chamber chairman.

Myrtle Beach has to overcome a number of obstacles in selectors’ minds: It has the wrong image for a presidential debate; it is not a major media market; there is not a huge political base here; and there are not many large corporations that could be sponsors.

City and county officials have been heavily lobbying the state Republican party, which said it will hold another debate but has not announced where.

The Congressional Black Caucus Institute, a nonpartisan Washington group, will sponsor an S.C. debate for the Democratic Party.

The benefits to the city are immeasurable, officials say. Myrtle Beach will be a part of history at a critical time and will be exposed to a national and international audience.

“This is not about whether you’re a Democrat or Republican,” Myrtle Beach Mayor John Rhodes said. “This is about what is the best thing for Myrtle Beach and Horry County.”

Source: Lisa Fleisher, The Sun News, Myrtle Beach, SC